What It Takes to Run the Oldest Black-Owned Construction Company in the U.S.
On August 12, 2025, Marketplace published a powerful feature on Cheryl McKissack Daniel and her family’s historic company, McKissack & McKissack — the nation’s oldest Black-owned construction firm. The article, titled “What it takes to run the oldest Black-owned construction company in the country,” highlights Cheryl’s journey, her debut book, and the remarkable legacy of her family’s business.
👉 Read the full article on Marketplace here
A Legacy That Spans Generations
Founded in 1905, McKissack & McKissack has overseen more than $50 billion in projects, including New York’s New Terminal One at JFK and Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. The company traces its roots back to Cheryl’s great-great-grandfather, Moses McKissack, who first learned the construction trade as a slave in South Carolina.
For Cheryl, who became CEO in 2000, the company’s history isn’t just about buildings — it’s about perseverance, innovation, and representation in an industry where only 3% of businesses were Black-owned as of 2022.
From Brooklyn Dreams to National Landmarks
In the Marketplace feature, Cheryl recalls one of her earliest projects as CEO, when news broke that the New Jersey Nets were moving to Brooklyn. Her first thought was simple yet ambitious: “McKissack & McKissack has to get on board.”
That mindset propelled the firm into projects that redefined its standing in the Northeast — from Medgar Evers College to the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine. Her story captures not just the strategy, but the drive required to compete at the highest levels of construction and design.
A Blueprint for the Future
Cheryl’s book, The Black Family Who Built America: The McKissacks, Two Centuries of Daring Pioneers, offers an even deeper look into this journey. It’s both a family memoir and a guide for building a legacy in industries where representation has long been limited.
As Marketplace notes, Cheryl embodies both the resilience of her ancestors and the forward-looking vision needed to lead in today’s world. Her story is a reminder that progress comes from equal parts history, determination, and bold leadership.
Celebrate the Feature
Congratulations to Cheryl McKissack Daniel on this outstanding feature in Marketplace! Her leadership continues to inspire, proving that when history meets vision, the result is a lasting legacy.
